To St. John's Parishioners and Friends:

"I am about to do a new thing: now it springs forth; do you not perceive it?" --Isaiah 43:19

As of this writing, we are 68% of the way to our $42,000 goal in our Next Chapter campaign. Our effort wraps May 25. Help put us over the top, and prayerfully consider your gift to St. John's Next Chapter today!

The past months have been a time of hard work and expectant transition. The preschool and daycare that occupied a large portion of St. John's facility moved in late 2024. In recent months, we have been preparing for our next residents: new paint and carpeting, looking after the roof, repairing the water fountains, upgrading the fire panel, and more. Shortly before Easter, we signed a listing contract with a professional real estate agent to help us market the property. To assist with this, and to help cover some of our lost revenue in the meantime, in late 2024, an anonymous donor gave us $42,000 with the understanding that, at the right time, we would approach the congregation to supplement, even match, that amount. And thanks to you, we're almost there! (See previous newsletters April 30 and May 7 for additional notes on the campaign.)

Listen to friends of St. John's who've already contributed:

• "I love St John's and seeing it succeed is important to me."
• "We have a wonderful facility with plenty of room...I like the idea of offering space to other groups who then become ministry partners and good neighbors to St. John's."
• "I’ve seen St. John’s ability to come through challenges."
• "My hope is that any contribution for Next Chapter might help St. John's maintain her mission and focus on reaching out to God's community and be less concerned with the practical necessities of meeting expenses."
• "A small donation now will help bring in more tenants to the church and underwrite the church’s long-term stability." 
• "Now more than ever, the Gospel is an important message that the world needs to hear." 

You can add your voice to theirs and support the “Next Chapter” campaign:

• by check with “2025 Next Chapter” in the memo line;
• online, selecting “Next Chapter 2025;” and/or
• by gifting an appreciated stock or mutual fund, or a Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD) from your IRA. Please designate as “Next Chapter 2025.”

Thank you for your generous support of St. John's. We hope you will join us in helping write the “Next Chapter.”

Faithfully,

The Rev. Kevin Laskowski

Priest-in-Charge

St. John's Episcopal Church

Volunteers Welcome!

There are many ways to be involved in the life of the congregation in addition to roles on Sunday morning. Over the next few months, we are looking for volunteers who may be willing to help members of the vestry with the organization of the following programs:

• Pentecost (June 8) – Parish picnic and outdoor Eucharist
• June parish off-site trip to a local winery or park?
• July 4 celebration – picnic/sparklers/fireworks viewing
• Bishop’s visit

Please be in touch with the office if you are able to assist.

Progressive Dinner, May 24

Our annual Progressive Dinner will take place May 24. Participants meet up at a parishioner's house for appetizers, proceed to one of several houses for dinner, and, finally, meet up at another parishioner's house for dessert.

Sign-ups were due Sunday. Participants will receive additional instructions shortly.

Memorial Day Office, May 25

Join us for a brief observance of Memorial Day on May 25. We'll gather at 9 AM by the bell before our usual Sunday worship.

Altar Flowers Needed

Dedicate the altar flowers in thanksgiving or in memory of a loved one here.

WORSHIP

Sunday Sermon

We are not only protected but empowered by Jesus, the Good Shepherd.

View all our services on our YouTube channel. And look for new sermons as always here.

Join Us In Person or Online

Join us in the historic church at 9:30 AM Sunday or watch live via YouTube. Additional links to the livestream, worship bulletin, and lectionary class are sent Saturday and also available on our website.

Upcoming Readings for The Fifth Sunday of Easter:

• Acts 11:1-18
• Revelation 21:1-6
• John 13:31-35
• Psalm 148

New Worship Customary

Bishop E. Mark Stephenson has updated liturgical guidelines for the Diocese of Virginia. Remember: "individual communicants may not dip their own hosts or bread in the wine." The minister will intinct for you, if you so desire. As always, if you have any questions or concerns, please contact Rev. Kevin.

Saint of the Week: Jakob Bohme

Jakob Böhme was a German philosopher, Christian mystic, and Lutheran theologian. Considered an original thinker by contemporaries within the Lutheran tradition, his first book, Aurora, caused a great scandal. 

Read more about him here.

Join Us for Bible Study!

We've made it more than halfway through the Gospel of Luke. But you can jump in to Bible study any time, even if you haven't attended in recent weeks, or at all.

Join us in the library Wednesdays at 11:00 AM or Thursday nights at 7:00 PM, for a weekly Bible study on the Gospel of Luke. We'll be using N.T. Wright's Luke: 26 Studies for Individuals and Groups (2011) to explore the third gospel. No need to RSVP for individual classes. For more information, contact Father Kevin or Lisa Heller.

Adult Lectionary Forum

Join us Sundays in person in the church library or online via Zoom to discuss the day's lessons. (This is the new link for meeting #826 4944 0667. Please make sure you use this new, updated link.)

Education for Ministry (EfM)

Education for Ministry (EfM) is a unique four-year distance learning certificate program in theological education based upon small-group study. Contact Walt Cooner for more information.

May Dinner Another Success at Hanley House

A big thanks for all the help last night with dinner, serving 65 people! 

St. John's makes and serves a meal every second Tuesday of the month at the local family shelter. Sign up to prepare or provide food ahead of time and/or join us on June 10 to serve. Contact Deacon Steve for more information.

Bring donations for our local family shelter to church or drop by the office.

Their needs may be found on their In-Kind Donations Wish List through Amazon.

Shop for Western Fairfax Christian Ministries

Please bring donations of food and more to Sunday services, or drop at the church office. These items are especially needed:

Food:

• Flour
• Sugar (1 or 2 lb. bags)
• Vegetable Oil
• Kidney Beans or Garbanzo Beans
• Cereal (low sugar preferred)
• Hot Cereal
• Pasta Sauce (no glass containers please)
• Diced tomatoes, Tomato sauce, Tomato Paste
• Canned Fruit (peaches, pears, pineapple)
• Family sized snacks (pretzels, crackers, nuts, seeds, dried fruits, etc.)
• Hot beverages (ground coffee, tea bags, etc.)

​

Toiletries:

NOTE: Toiletry items cannot be purchased by clients with SNAP​​

• Body Wash
• Toothpaste
• Hair Shampoo
• Hair Conditioner
• Feminine Hygiene Products (Pads preferred)
• Baby Wipes

St. John's is a founding partner of Western Fairfax Christian Ministries, which provides food and financial support to more than 600 local families every month.

Creation Care Garden Gearing Up!

St. John's Creation Care Garden committee is making preparations for the 2025 growing season. Last year, this ministry grew over 216 pounds of vegetables for Western Fairfax Christian Ministries. Monetary donations are requested to purchase seedlings and needed garden supplies. 

There are several ways to make a donation: 

• by check made out to St. John's Episcopal Church with the words "Creation Care Garden" in the memo field,
• by cash accompanied by a note with your name and address, or
• online here and donating to "Creation Care Garden."

Donations can be placed in the alms bag during a church service or dropped off at the church. Thank you in advance for your generous support of this worthy ministry.

Centreville Immigration Forum

CIF provides immigrants in need with the means to improve their lives and become more integrated into the community, improve communication and cooperation among all groups serving immigrants, and build community recognition of our strength in diversity.

The Shepherd's Center of Western Fairfax

The Shepherd's Center needs drivers and support for local seniors.

Prayer Requests

If you would like to add yourself or someone you care about to our Sunday prayer list, please contact clergy or the church office.

Sunday Services

Additional readers and ushers are needed. Sign up here.

Coffee Hour

We gather after worship for food and fellowship. Assist with snacks here.

Katherine Hanley Monthly Dinner

We cook and serve every second Tuesday of the month. Sign up here.

Altar Flowers

Dedicate the altar flowers in thanksgiving or in memory of a loved one here.

Photos?!

Have any photos or short videos from St. John's events? Send them to us.

Support St. John's Episcopal Church

With your online contribution, you are part of St. John's offering of healing, hope, and hospitality to all God's people. Join us now!



• Click the button below to set up a recurring gift online, or text "STJOHNSCENTREVILLE" to 73256 to give using your mobile device.
• Pledge to give using this online form.
• Explore more about giving to St. John's on our website or by contacting Father Kevin.